The suspended governor of Rivers State, Similanayi Fubara, has addressed several allegations made by President Bola Tinubu during his nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night.
In his announcement, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Furthermore, he suspended Fubara and the members of the Rivers House of Assembly for a period of six months.
Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator of the state.
In response, Fubara issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, denying some allegations presented in the broadcast.
Fubara clarified that the Rivers State House of Assembly complex is not abandoned following its demolition, but is actually under 80% completion.
He stated, “First, it is crucial to clarify that Governor Fubara has no involvement with the threats posed by militants and did not in any way ‘telegraph’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.”
Fubara also attributed some developments in Rivers State to a controversial statement made by Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), regarding the Ijaws.
He noted, “The reactions from stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly elders, chiefs, women, and the Ijaw National Congress, were ignited by remarks from the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, during a live media chat. He dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities in the Nigerian political landscape, stating that they are not the only group capable of militant actions, implying that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others can also engage in such activities.”
Fubara mentioned that many Ijaw leaders and groups demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which was ultimately rejected.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities within the state, often recalling his role on the Presidential Committee for the Protection of Oil Installations in the region. He urged his supporters and the citizens of Rivers State to refrain from actions that could destabilize the state or harm the nation’s economy.
Rivers: Fubara hits back over allegations in Tinubu’s broadcast, lists Wike’s ‘faults’
